Cole (Hunting Her)

by Eden Summers

  She sweeps her arm out to snap a rose from a nearby bush. “Yes, previously. Don’t ask me why he’s had the sudden change of heart. I’m not privy to his reasons. All I know is that he’s now eager to diversify, and sees you as the golden goose.”

  Not a force to be reckoned with. Not a threat to his future or an upcoming menace to his existence. A fucking golden goose.

  “You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into,” I seethe. “If I were you, I’d reassess your willingness to help your family with anything that involves mine.”

  She leads me to the back fence, placing her booted foot on the bottom rung of the white horizontal railing as she picks petals from the rose and throws them one by one to the ground.

  “Why?” she asks simply. “I don’t understand your refusal to contemplate the possibilities. You don’t even know what my father has planned.”

  I grasp the fence tight enough to make my fingers ache, my anger volatile beneath the surface as she rambles on about our future and unfathomable potential for too fucking long.

  She has no clue of my desire to choke her.

  To make her fucking scream.

  I want her entire family’s blood spilled at my feet, their pleas for mercy tattooing my memory.

  “Cole?” Her attention bores into the side of my face. “Are you listening?”

  “No. I’m not fucking listening. What I’m doing is waiting for you to drop this act.” I push from the fence. “Up until now I’ve kindly ignored your father’s attempts to start a war, but that window is closing.” I turn toward the house, still trying to see the audience I know hovers nearby.

  “Look, I know you’re reluctant to be here.” She throws the flower stem to the grass. “But you also need to understand that my father went to a lot of trouble renting this house and flying me here to meet you. He’s gone to great lengths to welcome you into—”

  “He’s gone to great lengths to test my patience.”

  She sighs. “Please, Cole, you need to loosen up. Neither one of us will be allowed to leave until we’ve given this partnership ample consideration. So relax, and stop thinking you can rush this.” She raises her brows, waiting for a response I’m not restrained enough to give. “Why don’t we go inside and have a drink? It might help take the edge off.”

  I don’t want a fucking drink. Or to waste ample time, considering this bogus bullshit.

  What I need is a new plan to get those kids, the intricacies seeming all the harder to finesse now that they’re being held by a woman with mafia ties.

  “Come on.” She sidles up to me, running her fingers along the sleeve of my jacket as she continues toward the back of the house. “One drink. That’s all I ask.”

  “Then what?” I growl.

  “Well, if you hear me out and finally realize this opportunity is too good to pass up, my father will call in the helicopter. We could be married in Vegas by the end of the night. And those kids would be right by your side.”

  Laughter festers in my throat, the slightest hint of mania edging its way into my psyche. “And when I don’t?”

  She keeps walking for the house. “That isn’t for me to decide.”

  I don’t follow. Instead, I clench my hands, struggling to hide my instability.

  The Cappellettis aren’t people who mess around. They’re big fish in a pond I don’t want my family dragged into. It doesn’t matter that they’re based on the other side of the country. This shit is too close to home.

  “Come on, Cole.” This time Abri’s voice holds sympathy. The slightest edge of compassion. “Let alcohol take the edge off your concerns. You’ll see sense afterward.”

  She doesn’t wait for a response as she weaves around the rose bushes and steps onto the porch, heading toward French doors with the glass windows illuminated by the warm light inside. She pulls both handles wide, disappearing into the house, leaving me with the cicadas and whoever lurks close by.

  Maybe it’s just her brothers.

  Maybe the whole East Coast mafia are watching.

  Either way, I’m running low on options for a resolution. At least ones that don’t involve high risk. Or marriage.

  “Fuck.” I run a hand through my hair, digging my nails into my scalp.

  Hunt was right.

  Before Nissa, I would’ve handled this situation differently.

  I would’ve jumped at the marriage opportunity, either eager to be aligned with another like-minded family, diving in headfirst, palms itching for action, or salivating at the prospect of taking them down from the inside out for daring to intimidate me.

  This inaction is a deficiency I can no longer allow.

  I need to make a decision and stick with it.

  No path is without risk or suffering. No choice is devoid of pain. But I have to make one, and fast.

  I follow after her, my determination reaffirmed, my focus steady. I step onto the porch, my pulse thundering as I stop at the open doors to an expansive living room, the ceilings high, the thick draped curtains open, the furnishings expensive.

  “I’ve heard scotch is your drink of choice.” She stands before a freestanding alcohol gurney beside one of the brown leather sofas, her long hair draped over her shoulder as she holds up a bottle of Macallan single malt. “Would you like me to pour you a glass?”

  “No.”

  She shrugs. “Have it your way.”

  She ditches the scotch and claims a bottle of champagne from an ice bucket, taking a few seconds to struggle with the cork before pouring herself a glass. “This was meant to be reserved for good news, but I’m confident I’m only jumping the gun a little.”

  I ignore her and scope the room, searching for make-shift weapons. There are no knick-knacks that could be used to bludgeon. No vases or sculptures able to be smashed. There’s nothing but books and furniture… unless I take into account the champagne bottle in her hand and the Macallan within her reach.

  “Looking for something in particular?” Her faux curiosity pisses me off. “My brothers swept the house clean earlier. They took out anything sharp and pointy.”

  I lean against the doorjamb, crossing my arms over my chest. “And you’re not daunted by the need for that preparation?”

  She shoves the champagne bottle back into the ice, the crunch and swish momentarily drowning out the internal whispers of vengeance before she saunters to the sofa to take a seat. “You don’t seem like an animal.”

  Her assessment is inaccurate. I’m nothing if not entirely feral right now.

  “Come sit with me.” She crosses her legs and pats the space beside her. “I’ve already told you we won’t be able to leave until my father is satisfied.”

  Yes, I heard her the first time, but now I home in on her words.

  We won’t be allowed to leave.

  Not just me. Both of us.

  “Suit yourself.” She gives a wicked grin. “I don’t mind admiring you from afar.”

  “Admiring? Is that how you’re going to play this?”

  “What other way is there? You’re a handsome man, Cole, and although I know no marriage of convenience can start perfectly, you’ll come to learn I’m quite a catch.” She tweaks that grin up a notch, her dimple resurfacing. “I have many talents I’m sure you’ll enjoy.”

  “You’re quite the generous offer.”

  Her expression doesn’t falter. “But you’re hung up on someone else.”

  “I am.” I cross my arms over my chest as she sips the champagne, her tongue sneaking out to swipe her glossy lips.

  “If the woman is your reason for denying me, I can assure you she’s the wrong choice.” She places the flute on the coffee table and slowly glides to her feet. She’s lithe as she saunters toward me with a complete lack of self-preservation. “A man like you can’t be naive to the risks involved in pairing with a Fed. How do you know she won’t double-cross you?”

  “She’s aware of what happens to those who mess with me.” There’s a harshness to my tone I can
’t suppress.

  “Careful, big guy.” Her brows rise as she sidles closer, sliding her palms over my biceps. “A lady might consider that a threat.”

  “Maybe a lady should.” I remain still while she dares to skirt those hands higher, up to my shoulders, around my neck. “You wouldn’t last a week under my roof.”

  “I don’t know about that.” She laughs, the husky sound brushing my ears like a lover’s touch. “Your devilishness only makes me eager for more.”

  She’s definitely beautiful. Flawless, even. Given normal circumstances I’d fuck the spark from those dazzling eyes. But right now, all I want to do is suffocate it.

  “Your delicious dominance doesn’t frighten me.” She lowers her voice to a teasing whisper. “I don’t scare easily.” Her fingernails tease my nape, sending a rush of sensation down my spine.

  “You’re making a mistake with the Fed.” She leans closer. “Women love a bad boy. But only temporarily. The timeline is even shorter for someone with a strict moral compass, and I’m assuming that’s what this woman has.” Her eyes fill with lust, whether it’s fake or not, I’m unsure. “You’re a phase, Cole. Her interest in you won’t last. Eventually, she’ll humiliate you.”

  She nips at my triggers. Her teeth dig deep into insecurities I never wanted exposed.

  “I know women like her,” Abri continues, her voice soft. “Strong, forthright women. Even if she did stick around, your lifestyle would change her.”

  The clarity of her insight slices deep.

  That’s what I’ve been worried about. That Anissa, with her unshakable determination and infallible fortitude, would weaken in my world.

  I don’t want that for her.

  “She’ll become someone else,” Abri whispers. “Someone you’re not infatuated with. You know she will.”

  “So marrying you is the best option?”

  “Marrying me is the only option. I’m the perfect replacement—easy on the eye, yet strong, smart, and determined. I’m everything you need, with the bonus of financial security instead of ruin. And strings that never need to be attached.”

  She’s a choice of convenience and prosperity in comparison to the path with Anissa, which is riddled with landmines.

  “Let me show you one of the benefits of having my company.” She slides a hand down my arm and grabs my wrist to lead me to the sofa. “And as soon as you realize being together is the best option, we can tell my father and have the kids brought out here to celebrate.”

  28

  Anissa

  It’s been hours without word from Cole and no movement from the children as I sit in the Escalade parked across the road from Emmanuel’s building.

  Normally, I’d keep myself busy through a case by chasing leads. I’d run Costa’s license plates and track them through traffic surveillance. I’d have the option to call local law enforcement for assistance. I’d even go through the process of watching credit card transactions in the hopes of pinpointing Emmanuel’s location.

  But I chose to be here as part of Cole’s team—his partner—and legitimate, legal means are only used if they’re discreet and without trace, which is something I can’t provide.

  I’ve done my best to ensure all our bases are covered though.

  Penny is in the hotel lobby if Cole returns.

  Keira and Layla remain in the penthouse suite in case his arrival bypasses the front doors.

  Luca and Decker are situated on different rooftops, giving us numerous angles of sight on the children, while Sarah and Benji are in another car at the back of Emmanuel’s building, watching the exit to the parking lot.

  If anything happens, we’ll know.

  But nothing has happened. Not since Cole was taken.

  It’s been radio silence, and the quiet is killing me.

  “Would you quit jolting your fucking leg,” Hunter snarls from the driver’s seat. “You’re pissing me off.”

  I plant my foot and glare straight ahead.

  Why I got paired with this asshole is beyond me. He’s made it damn clear he would love to see me disemboweled and rotting in a shallow grave.

  “You should go wait with Sarah and Benji,” I snap. “I’m sure you’d prefer their company.”

  “No shit. I’m only here to keep an eye on you.” He white-knuckles the steering wheel. “I’m playing goddamn babysitter because I don’t trust you.”

  He’s itching for a fight, and I’m beyond tempted to give it to him. But the distraction won’t help Cole. At this point, I’m not sure if anything will.

  “You’d make my job a lot fucking easier if you’d just leave.” Hunt looks at me, his angry stare haunting my peripheral vision. “I bet you’ve been tempted to call in the license plates on the black sedan. Or to cave to your impatience by contacting the cops.”

  “It’s not impatience. It’s concern. I’m worried about him.”

  “And you think that makes you special? We’re all fucking worried, but the rest of us know to trust his ability to handle the situation if he specifically said not to meddle.” He lowers his window, letting the chilled air sweep in. “No matter how bad Torian wants to believe you can be one of us, you never will be. You’re too much of a high and mighty bitch to change your ways.”

  I drag in a long breath to keep myself composed. “There’s no going back. I’ve made my choice. So get used to me being here.”

  “I’ve got no plans to get used to anything where you’re concerned. You’ll be gone soon enough.”

  “Not if I get rid of you first.”

  He laughs. “You think that’s possible?”

  “I don’t know.” I look him in the eye. “But I’d sure enjoy trying.”

  He stares daggers at me. “I suggest you mind your manners.”

  “And I suggest you focus on why we’re here and quit being distracted. It’s unprofessional.”

  His nostrils flare. “Fucking bitch,” he mutters under his breath, then turns his attention out the windshield.

  More time passes as Cole’s phone remains silent in my hand. I grow nauseous. Anxious. Angry. Anything would be better than sitting here doing nothing, because the sound of Hunter’s barely audible breathing is enough to make me homicidal.

  “We’ve got movement.” Luca’s voice carries through the car speakers. “Get ready.”

  Hunter reaches for his cell propped against the vehicle’s display screen and turns the call off mute. “What’s happening?”

  “The woman and the two guards are escorting the kids into the elevator,” Decker announces through the four-way conversation. “It looks like everyone is leaving.”

  I sit forward, scrutinizing the street. There are no lingering cars at the front of Emmanuel’s building. “They’re either leaving on foot or not coming out this way.”

  Nobody acknowledges me. Not even with a scoff of dismissal.

  “I’m coming down,” Luca says. “There’s no point keeping two of us in the sky if they’re on the move.”

  Cole’s phone vibrates in my hand, ratcheting my pulse. I rush to unlock the screen and open the awaiting text from Costa.

  “What is it?” Hunt asks.

  I click the notification, find a video recording, and immediately press play.

  The first sight of Cole makes my eyes burn with overwhelming relief.

  He’s alive. Uninjured.

  It’s the passing seconds of what appears to be a surveillance feed that suck the gratitude from my system.

  I watch as a beautiful woman straddles his lap on a sofa, her blouse loose, maybe even gaping at the front. I can’t tell from the angle of the camera. His hands are on her thighs though, his gaze intent on her face.

  “I said, what the fuck are you looking at?” Hunter leans forward, muting his cell again before snatching Cole’s phone from my grip. His expression doesn’t change as he replays the video while I struggle not to vomit. “This must be Costa’s daughter.” He pivots the screen in my direction and raises a taunting brow. “The
y look cozy, don’t they?”

  Bile climbs my throat as I glare.

  “Your man didn’t stay loyal for long.” He lobs the device back at me and I fumble to catch it in my lap. “Are you ready to walk yet? If I were you, I’d take off and never look back.”

  I clench the cell in my fist. “You’d love that, wouldn’t you?” My voice cracks with bitterness. “I bet all your dreams would come true if I scrambled out of here with my tail between my legs.”

  “If the collar fits, why not run with it?”

  My hatred of this man knows no bounds. I want to shove my gun down his throat. To claw at his eyes and slap that superiority from his arrogant face.

  “I’m not going any-fucking-where.” I pivot in my seat, turning my whole body to him. “Not now. Not because of this. That video means nothing. I know Cole. I trust him.”

  “You don’t know shit. You’ve got no fucking clue what he’s like.”

  He pokes at my insecurities.

  No, he punches them, beating me into a submissive state where I question my choices all over again.

  “We’ve got eyes on them.” Sarah’s voice breaks through my turmoil. “It looks like those guards are driving a black Lincoln from the parking lot. They’re pulling onto the side street.”

  Hunter remains focused on me, cocking his head in question. “This is your last chance to bail.”

  I should. For self-preservation’s sake. For sanity and safety, too. But I won’t give up on Cole. Not this easily.

  I pull on my seat belt and find the black Lincoln waiting at the traffic lights up ahead.

  “I see it.” I jerk my head toward the intersection. “Hurry up and follow.”

  He doesn’t comply. He keeps sitting there, staring at me. “Stop fighting this and fucking go. You know this bullshit between the two of you won’t last.”

  “Drive,” I snap, unleashing my anger and animosity, even my fear.

  Again, the car doesn’t move.

  My pulse quickens with the closing window of opportunity to tail the Lincoln. We can’t lose them. We can’t miss the only chance to find Cole.

  “I said fucking drive, you arrogant prick.” I snatch the gun from inside my jacket and slam the barrel against his forehead. “Now.”